The hottest team in the NHL will have to try to maintain its pace without its top goalie.
Alex Lyon is returning to Buffalo for further evaluation on a lower-body injury and is expected to miss "a bit of time," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said Wednesday, per Rachel Lenzl of the Buffalo News.
Fellow goalie Colten Ellis is expected to come off injured reserve to take Lyon's roster spot. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is Buffalo's other goalie.
Lyon was hurt late in Monday's win over the St. Louis Blues, the team's ninth victory in a row.
Lyon, 33, has been an instrumental part in the Sabres' recent success, posting a .906 save percentage and 2.82 goals-against average alongside a 10-6 record with one shutout.
The Baudette, Minn., native joined the Sabres on a two-year deal in free agency over the summer.
Over his nine years in the NHL, Lyon has a 61-44-14 record with a 2.96 GAA and .913 save percentage in 134 games split between the Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings and Sabres.
The Sabres are in Dallas to face the Stars on Wednesday.
